Pushing Through

Today I suited up to head out for a quick run before work. Almost immediately I could tell my body was not as up for it. something was off. I know a day off is coming soon, but I was hoping to stay off as long as possible. Today begged the question though, when do you push through. I have heard a variety of theories and it would seem a personal question each person needs to address. So that's my question to each of you, my four readers. When do you push through and when do you acknowledge this isn't the time?

Working Holiday

At some point, I truly aspire to not work on holidays. For some reason, this year it has felt all the more irritating to keep hearing about the big 3 day weekend knowing not only was I working but am in a 6 day stretch with said holiday right in the middle. Someday this will not be the case, that I know.

So, for those out there clocking in and suiting up to serve the holiday majority, hang in there. Our "weekend" is coming soon.

Run

Running has become quite the constant for me as of late. The only time I put these kind of miles up is when I am in training for a marathon. With today immenent run, I will have laced up everyday for the last five weeks. It has felt good and I have noticed it seems to level my mind some. Especially over some recent rough days. When I hit go on my Nike+, I feel a relief. It's good to have something like this.

Moments Like These

Next Right Step

After a fairly difficult week, I am grateful to be focusing on the road ahead. There is much to do and much to be grateful for. If I can keep that perspective, all should be well.

What's it all about?

Humility, as I understand it, is the art of being right sized. I am sure this has come up here before as it is one of life's themes I routinely pay attention to. It would seem life is constantly adjusting that size also. My contentedness seems to ebb and flow based on the degree I am unwilling to adjust with life. Maybe this is the tie in to the "want less, do more" mantra stuck in my head?

So for today I am asking for those that stand against me to get what I would want for myself so as I may walk free of them. Oddly when doing this though, I really crave spilling hot coffee on myself at times. Heh.

Private vs Trasparent

I recently had someone track me down via Facebook. This is not an uncommon occurrence for many. I would rather have this particular person remain in the past though and it again flushes to my attention the dilemma of privacy in the era of social networking.

Those accustomed to following Stupie know I lay a lot of my thoughts and life out there in an editorial sort of way. I have no illusions of being any more important than being just a normal guy that writes a lot. I will never discuss anything more personal than I would in a crowded restaurant as this is PUBLIC.

As for my social media profile, it has been a blessing and curse. I love reconnecting with some friends and staying in touch with others, even if it is just a "poke." I do not however wish to be found by all. The delete button was under finger in a rash desire to cyber disappear. That would be a little rash though. Like I said, it serves some purpose for me that I enjoy.

It might just be that it is a good time to clean it up some. Get rid of fringe acquaintances, monitor my privacy settings and scrutinize my pictures a little closer.

Wanting Less

Over the last couple days, a few areas of my life seem to have accelerated a tad. I am trying to keep up and keep in touch. The simple phrase keeps going through my mind, "want less." It's occasionally followed with, "do more." Not sure what that all means but thought I"d throw that out there to the ethos. Maybe it'll come back clearer.

Running Hard

With yesterday's 2 miler with tiff, I completed 4 weeks of continuous running. Whereas it bagan as a means to avoid thinking about nicotine, I am just flat out enjoying it. It also helped considerably to have my friend Bek send me a copy of Born to Run. Not only am I injury free, but have been feeling great. It is not my intention to continue at this pace, but for now it has been awesome. After reading this book, I am a little more interested in a pair of these as well

Pretty Damn Good

Art from common objects has always fascinated me. While a musician wielding a violin beautifully is always impressive, I found myself equally riveted to the kids drumming the 5 gallon drums. They were not only good, but resourceful. I also admire really good cooks that can make wonderful grilled cheeses. The master chefs that have all the ingredients and tools of the trade are fantastic, but the people that can go into any  kitchen and made something amazing are truly gifted.

The rambling point here is that I find the regular, Clark Kent type artists among us pretty fantastic when I have the opportunity to appreciate one. Whether it be an artful conversationalist or someone that can paint a house and make you feel as though you just saw something rare, it is always fantastic to see one.

Fitting in Denver

I went out first thing today and did my favorite 8 mile loop. It was chilly and overcast and wonderful.  I grabbed a Mocha from my Caribou and chatted some with the baristas I am getting to know. When I got home I didn't even change shirts. I just grabbed the dogs and loaded them up in the Jeep to head down to the Denver Botanic Bow Wow. Tiff was there working and we got to see some great dogs! Our Westies did great and even held their own in the cute couple category. It was just a fun day to feel a part of the community you live in.

Go Avalanche!!

Two Bits

By request, here is a shot of Estes and Maggie after their recent grooming. Sometimes just seeing cute dogs is enough to brighten a day. I hope these two help yours today.

Cheers

Simple

With so much in the air and big changes coming, it has been easy to get distracted lately. My mind drifts from the moment often and I wonder why I start feeling the dreaded restless, irritable, and discontentedness creeping on. The last couple days have been very stormy here in Denver and for some reason that kind of weather always snaps me back to the here and now. When I keep things very simple and very now, I tend to stay in better moods and am far better, ironically, at planning for the upcoming tasks.

Also, my wife likes me better when I am less cranky. :)

Godspeed Sir

City Love Song

Transpo Delema

I'm heading down to watch the Rockies this afternoon on my own. Without having anyone but my own preference to deal with, I am betwixt as to how to best get there. On one hand, it would be easy and fun to drive the Jeep down and snag some cheap parking near the stadium. On the other hand, I could take the ridiculously over priced light-rail and not have to deal with traffic, especially coming home closer to rush hour. It's a poor sign that RTD makes me miss CTA often. I want to take the light rail, but again it would be less expensive to drive and potentially faster.


What to do, what to do... Now I wish I had fixed the flat on my bike.

Racing to the Unknown

Everyday feels that much closer to moving into our house. Everyday also still feel like an eternity till the big change too. I know I have mentioned it, but when I pause to consider it, I am counting the days till stepping off the known. It will be different and exciting and full of new challenges to be sure, but how unusual it is to be racing full speed towards such a goal.

By the by, today was the 22 day I have been out to run and if all holds well, we will be moving in on my 3 month date of quitting smoking.

Curses!

I know there are various schools of thought regarding running and music. I certainly have no interest in advocating either, but personally I love having music while running. I never have it loud enough to not hear what is going on around me as that seems dangerous, but I love having it on in the background. That being said, there is no symbol more dreaded than the low battery symbol on the iPod. It always comes when time is tight and I don't have much to recharge. Ergo, an unexpected Captain Stupie entry this morning as I sit wired to m laptop like some freaky Apple matrix movie. You know, because if I don't take off the iPod, I am that much closer to being out the door... again

Going Native

One of the coolest parts of our new house is how much effort our builder is putting into being green. The house is ridiculously insulated and sealed and there is even an electric car charging station in the garage. This eye for detail made it all the more curious to discover that our front yard, which is being provided will feature the ecological nightmare, Kentucky Blue Grass. It has become much more widely understood over the last few years how much water this type of grass requires out here (or most  places besides Kentucky). We are excited to design are more natural backyard, incoporating natural species and to an extent, some xeriscaping. Personally, I an excited to use Legacy Buffalo or Colorado Blue for our backyard. We'll see how it goes.

Getting it Done

The house is reaching the critical final few weeks. We have begun to pack and all is moving along swimmingly. With so much time to think about it all, I must admit a simple thought can occasionally just knock me on my ass. That thought is, "holy crap, we're buying a house!" It seems completely surreal, but in a little less than a month, Tiff and I will finally have one of those milestones of adulthood to savor, home ownership. It floors me and I could not be more grateful, for the steps that led to this moment still seem a tad mysterious.

Maggie!

Happy Thursday all!

Hail of a Run

Funny thing happened on my way to the gym today... I tuned left. It is sleeting and howling wind, so I figured I would just knock out my 4 miles on the treadmill today. I threw on a hoodie to get to the gym and when I got halfway there, I abruptly turned left to hit my 4 mile loop. Getting swayed with wind and pelted the entire time by little ice beads, it was actually fantastic. None to surprising, there wasn't a soul on the  trails or sidewalks. It just felt good to brave the inhospitable and severe.

Dedication

I tend to be an all or nothing kind of guy. Either you were great at something or why bother? There is an obvious flaw to these lines of thinking for sure. As a friend once said with that mindset, "you become very good at very little." I tend to take to some things with exuberance though and am hard pressed to find balance. Take smoking for example. I tried it, I liked it, I did it all the friggin' time! I kid you not, I had an ashtray in my shower for a while.

Now on the quit side, I am running constantly. Yesterday I ran before and after work. It has started to become less about not smoking and more about the connection to days when I run tend to be days I stay more level headed. The Jekyll and Hyde swings are less. So I lace up.

What I wonder is when dedication becomes obsession? Too much of anything can lead to trouble. A different friend is fond of reminding my to listen to my gut or "my still small voice" on questions like that. So far the gut is enjoying the miles.

New Political Party?

I had this idea while I was out running this morning for a new political party for our country. I know, your Captain usually prefers to comment rather than create, but I think this party might work. Plus, I don't think it has ever been tried. Hell, for all I know though, I may have just reinvented Marxism.

The idea was to create a Presidential Support Party. It would refrain from all campaigning, having zero interest in the pursuit of the office. Once in office though, the President would receive their support and be held accountable by them. Regardless of Party affiliation, the Presidental Support Party would utilize the strengths of the President. They would also be there to keep them on course.

I was starting to think this was an amazing idea out there this morning until I thought, isn't this what "we the people" are supposed to be trying to do anyway?

Thanks Mom!

Today I got the privilege of enjoying morning coffee with my Mom today. It has been wonderful getting to see her more often. I don't say this as often as I should, but thank you Mom. you taught me so many valuable lessons and were so much about me becoming who I am today. Thank you for all the laughs, support, and as of late endless cups of coffee. It has always seemed odd to me that we celebrate Mom on a single day. What doesn't seem odd is that it usually makes me feel better to know that is not the only day she gets to know I love her.



Truly Mom, I thank you for so much and wish you the happiest of Mother's Days!

Today

I put in a quick 4 miles this morning before heading off to work. My job is challenging me to keep a positive outlook on a daily basis, yet I am as always grateful to be employed. My wonderful wife is busily taking care of several odds and ends on the homefront today. Thus is par when we have a day offm good team work. Tonight we are heading up again to loiter in front of our house, hoping to see another sign of progress. All this makes me so very aware whata lucky bastard I am. Grateful as hell today.

Happy Friday

Right Sized

I was reading this morning, again, about humility. The usual understanding I have held is that it is the ability to stay right sized, not too big nor too small. Today it was talking about taking care of my own needs so that I may be better suited to help when there is an opportunity. It struck me as interesting and I always seem to devote some Stupie time to those thoughts. I am a big, big fan of humility though. I have found inevitably without it I face humiliation. 

Everyday Running

Without a lot of conviction I have been out running everyday now for the last 10 in a row. It feels good, to be sure and my legs have a fantastic dull soreness all the time that feels good. Not sure where all these miles will lead to, but for now it is fun to be putting on so many consistently. Also helping to keep me smoke free.

Ill Comunication

I am a pretty lucky guy. Over the years I have met some incredible people along the way. Luckier yet, I have had the chance to walk with some of them quite a while. I also consider myself lucky that staying in touch is so much easier than ever before. None the less, I find most of my correspondence is outgoing calls. I really don't mind. the way I see it, I like talking to people I like. What confuses me is when I make a call I don't call often and get static for not being in better touch. It seems there are several mythical one-way phones out there. These complaints never come from people whose calls I take regularly either.

A wise man back in college put it in perspective for me when I was complaining no one called when I wasn't around. He asked simply, "how many people do you call?" Point taken and now offered.

Feel Good Moment

Seeing the Westies so happy in the new house was a pretty cool moment yesterday.

Head Space

I am noticing a few people have had the ability to really get into my head and stay there. It's frustrating and i am doing all the suggested things to remove them, but they are just lingering. It ain't good, not healthy for sure. Sadly though, there I am. I'm publicly owning it to try and help. I believe the man that told me you can not save your ass and your face at the same time. However, I do believe that when the frustrating thinking causes me to act embarrassingly, it's good motivation to try and save the ass then.

It is as the cliche says, "it's not you, it's me." I am damn certain I do not want to wait for the irritations of my life to pass before I get to be happy.